ABS function: Description, Usage, Syntax, Examples and Explanation

What is ABS function in Excel?

ABS function is one of the Math and Trig functions in Microsoft Excel that returns the absolute value of a number. The absolute value of a number is the number without its sign.

Syntax of ABS function

ABS(number)

The ABS function syntax has the following arguments:

• Number: The real number of which you want the absolute value.

Example of ABS function

Steps to follow:

1. Open a new Excel worksheet.

Worked Example:   Find closest match in Excel

2. Copy data in the following table below and paste it in cell A1

Note: For formulas to show results, select them, press F2 key on your keyboard and then press Enter.

Worked Example:   Change negative numbers to positive in Excel

You can adjust the column widths to see all the data, if need be.

Data
-4
Formula	Description	Result
=ABS(2)	Absolute value of 2	2
=ABS(-2)	Absolute value of -2	2
=ABS(A2)	Absolute value of -4	4